LANGSTON, Okla. – The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical Colleges has appointed Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as interim president of Langston University, beginning July 6, 2023. Dr. Jackson will serve until a nationwide search for President Smith’s successor is completed and the University’s seventeenth president assumes office.
“We appreciate Dr. Jackson’s willingness to step forward to lead Langston University through this upcoming transition,” said Jarold Callahan, Chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “Her knowledge and dedication to Langston ensure we will maintain operational and program continuity. With capable interim leadership in place, we can devote our time and energies to conducting a comprehensive search to find the right person to lead this critical University moving forward.”
Dr. Jackson has been with the Langston University since 2014 and currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. She has held other leadership positions at the University including Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
“Dr. Jackson has more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education and an appreciation of Langston University’s role in the state, region, and nation,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., who announced plans to retire after 11 years as Langston University’s president. “I appreciate her willingness to serve and have full confidence in her ability to lead the University through this transition.”
Before joining Langston University, Dr. Jackson spent 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where she served as tenured faculty, graduate program director, and department chair. Before transitioning to higher education, she spent over a decade in public education as a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
Dr. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Southern University and A&M College. She earned a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University.
“I appreciate the confidence of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents in asking me to serve Langston University during this transitional period,” said Jackson. “I look forward to collaborating with the campus community to ensure continuity and remain focused on our mission.”
LANGSTON, Okla. – Director of Athletics Donnita Drain has announced the appointment of Philip Stitt as the head men’s basketball coach at Langston University. Stitt has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including seven years at the NCAA DI level, ten years at the NCAA DII level and 11 years at the junior college level.
“I am more than thrilled and excited to see the direction of Langston University men’s basketball under Coach Stitt,” Director of Athletics Donnita Drain said. “We had a tremendous pool of candidates which included over 60 applicants with various coaching backgrounds from successful high school coaches all the way up to the NCAA DI level. Through it all we had a great screening committee comprised of several alumni, including former lettermen athletes, and current administrators at Langston University. Coach (Philip) Stitt came through with shining colors. He has a rich experience of coaching at other HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), tremendous championship experience, and he’s a proven winner and recruiter.”
Stitt most recently coached at Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Marian, Ala. where he led MMI to a 77-33 record over the past four seasons. During that time span, Stitt has coached two NJCAA All-Americans, two ACCC All-Region 22 performers and three NJCAA Academic All-Americans while consistently being ranked in the top 25 and clinching the ACCC/NJCAA Region 22 Championship in 2015-16. Stitt has also received coaching accolades during his time at MMI where he was named the NJCAA Region II Coach of the Year, the NJCAA District 12 Coach of the Year and Birmingham’s Tip-off Club’s Alabama Junior College Coach of the Year in 2015-16. Over the span of 28 seasons, Stitt holds a record of 100-68 at MMI and a career coaching record of 215-156.
“I’m very excited, particularly after meeting with President (Dr. Kent J.) Smith, Jr., Director of Athletics Donnita (Drain) Rogers and the search committee,” the first-year head coach said. “Everybody has a passion for Langston University and I’m looking forward to working in that type of environment. One of the factors that stood out to me about Langston University is the people. In this business, the people are important. I’m excited to get started.’ Of Stitt, President Kent J. Smith, Jr., said “During the screening process, Coach Stitt showed tremendous attention to detail and his ability to recruit stood out. He also brings impressive HBCU experience which will serve him well at Langston University. I am confident that Coach Stitt will lead our Lions to continued success on and off the court.”
Stitt’s coaching career began in 1991 as an assistant at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Fla. After spending three seasons with the Stars, he moved on as the assistant coach at NCAA DI Jacksonville University. In 1997 Stitt joined the coaching staff at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C. In his only season at Fayetteville State University, the Broncos finished with a 17-10 record, tied for second place in the CIAA Western Division. The next season, Stitt became an assistant at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). At WSSU, he was part of five 20-win seasons, two CIAA conference championships, five NCAA Division II tournament berths and two NCAA Division II Sweet 16 appearances. He was also named the 2004-2005 CIAA Coach of the year.
Stitt returned to Florida Community College in 2006 to take over the program as head coach for two seasons before moving on to Grambling State University (NCAA DI) as the Associate Head Coach (2008-2009). Stitt has also served as assistant men’s basketball coach at Fayetteville State University (NCAA DII), North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA DI) and Florida State College at Jacksonville before arriving in Marion, Ala.
Director of Athletics Donnita Drain would like to thank the alumni, lettermen, and University supporters who assisted in the screening and interview process for this important search including Dr. James Mosely, Judge Kenneth Watson, Dr. Kevin Cox, Ms. Lateka Alexander, and Ms. Mariea’ Drain. The contributions of our alumni to the interview and screening process were invaluable, and their input further solidified the selection of Mr. Stitt as the next head coach of Langston University Men’s Basketball.
The Langston University Department of Athletics will hold a press conference to welcome Coach Stitt on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Langston University – Oklahoma City Campus located at 6700 N Martin Luther King Avenue in Oklahoma City.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Dr. Edward O. Manyibe, Research Associate Professor and Capacity Building Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) received the 2018 Bobbie Atkins Research Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) on July 13, 2018.
Dr. Manyibe was honored for his production of a significant volume of exemplary research and associated publications, research related to multiculturalism and disability, and development of research which has or will make a difference in thinking and/or practice in the multicultural arena.
It was the research and publication of Bobbie Atkins, the person after which the award was named, that provided the impetus for increased awareness surrounding the special issues impacting persons of color with disabilities. Her landmark research, “Vocational Rehabilitation of Blacks: The Statement,” published in the Journal of Rehabilitation in 1980, disclosed the inherent inequities for blacks served by the public vocational rehabilitation system.
Since her publication, Dr. Atkins has been a leading educator, publisher, researcher and trainer, grant developer, and spokesperson on multicultural, gender and other issues in rehabilitation.
The NAMRC is a diverse group whose purpose is to advocate for the rehabilitation needs of multicultural persons with disabilities. The NAMRC promotes and advocates a greater understanding of the needs of multicultural populations with disabilities, and assists multicultural populations to become self-sufficient and reach their highest level of attainment in society.
Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is proud to announce that Mr. Mark G. Gordon has been appointed as the Director of Bands, effective June 25, 2018. He comes to Langston University with more than 20 years of experience directing bands on the high school and collegiate levels. His bands have won more than 30 first-place trophies from various battles of the band and competitions in Texas and Louisiana. He also hosted the largest high school battle of the bands in Texas for more than eight years with a capacity of more than 20,000 attendees.
Mr. Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in applied music in 1996 from Prairie View A&M University. He went on to earn a master’s degree in divinity theological studies in 2007 from St. Agnus Georgian School and a master’s degree in music composition from Texas Southern University in 2014. Mr. Gordon is currently working on his dissertation in education and leadership instruction at North Central University. In 1996, he began his teaching career at M.B. Smiley High School in Houston, Texas. He later matriculated back to his Alma Mata; Prairie View A&M University where he was the assistant director of bands for 10 years.
Currently serving as Director of Bands for Charles H. Milby High School in Houston, Texas. Mr. Gordon is also a vocalist and national gospel recording artist. He has recorded with Universal Records and has performed with such artists as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Stephanie Mills and John P. Kee. He is also a member of the following organizations: JAW Entertainment Group, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Mu Alpha Sigma National Honor Society, and the National Association for the Study and Preservation of African American Music (NASPAAM).
If you would like to contact Mr. Gordon or the Langston University Band Department, you can email mark.gordon@langston.edu or call (405) 466-3418.
Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Carlos Robinson has been appointed as Langston University’s new Director of Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach Programs, effective February 26, 2018.
Mr. Robinson previously served as the Assistant Director of Recruitment at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) and brings with him more than 14 years of higher education experience. He has a strong background in recruitment and outreach.
In his former position, Mr. Robinson was instrumental in the development of OCCC’s initial strategic recruitment plan for the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, which successfully increased the institution’s enrollment and targeted rural student outreach. Currently, Mr. Robinson is heavily involved in the Oklahoma City community by serving on the board of directors for local non-profits and providing mentorship for at-risk youth.
Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.
Media Contact: Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist, (405) 466-6008, cgray@langston.edu
Today at the American Bar Association’s 12th Annual Homeland Security Law Institute Conference in Washington, D.C., Dean Joshua Snavely of the Langston University School of Business will interview Facebook senior executive, Monika Bickert, in a dialogue titled Security vs. Security – A Conversation with Facebook. Ms. Bickert is the Head of Product Policy & Counterterrorism at Facebook, and since 2012 she has served as lead security council, advising the company on matters including child safety and data security.
Dean Snavely and Ms. Bickert will examine industry efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism, as well as Facebook’s relationship and partnership with government and law enforcement. Given recent news and events, they will also discuss the policies for the types of content that can be shared on Facebook and how advertisers and developers can interact with the site. The interview will be covered by C-SPAN and other national media outlets.
Dean Snavely co-chairs the National Homeland Security Law Institute with former Department of Homeland Security general counsels Joe Whitley and Steve Bunnell. The Institute is an annual look at the state of security from infrastructure to immigration, cybersecurity to oversight, as well as the roles of the various federal and state agencies that work for our safety while preserving our constitutional values. This year’s program focuses on cybersecurity and the global relationships necessary to facilitate security, privacy, and commerce around the world.
Langston University is a public historically black college and university enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LU has been recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability, ranking number three among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., according to AffordableSchools.net. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is proud to announce the head coach of the women’s basketball team, Cheryl Miller, was included among the 30 most influential women in college sports. In February, the Sports Management Degree Guide ranked Miller No. 10 among other legendary coaches including Pat Summitt, Tara VanDerveer, and Muffet McGraw. The ranking was created to recognize prominent female athletes who helped pave the way for women to participate and excel in intercollegiate sports.
Cheryl Miller joined the Langston Lady Lions in 2014 after a celebrated athletic career. As a four-time All-American, she was recruited as a forward to the University of Southern California. Miller scored a history-making 3,018 career points and claimed 1,534 rebounds. She led the Trojans to an impressive 112-20 record and was named MVP in two NCAA championships. Cheryl Miller won the Naismith Award, Broderick Award, and the 1984 Olympic gold medal. She also served as a sideline reporter for Thursday night NBA coverage on TNT.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer has coached the Langston women’s basketball squad to victory. In her first year, the Lady Lions defeated Our Lady of the Lake for the 2015 Red River Athletic Conference tournament title. This year’s team ended the season with a winning 20-8 record. “Langston University is honored to have such a distinguished coach,” said Langston University President, Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr. “Cheryl Miller has excelled in training our women’s basketball team for success on and off the court. She brings intelligence, discipline, experience, and enthusiasm to our sidelines.”
Langston University is a small, public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Student-athletes compete for the Lions in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division. Along with basketball, Langston’s varsity sports include cross-country, football, cheerleading, softball, volleyball, and track and field.
Sports Management Degree Guide offers free, online resources for undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying sports business. The website helps guide readers to building successful careers in the in-demand athletics industry. Students can find mini courses, info graphics, articles, blogs, and FAQs to answer questions about obtaining a quality education in sports management. Read the full article titled “30 Most Influential Women in College Sports” at: http://www.sports-management-degrees.com/30-most-influential-women-in-college-sports/.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Former Langston University (LU) football player and alumnus, Quinton Morgan, was recently named the permanent head football coach for the Langston Lions football team effective immediately.
In October, he took on the role of interim head coach for the remaining five games of the season and his leadership strongly impacted on the team’s performance. Under his leadership, the team experienced success with no losses (5-0), averaging 43.6 points per game, and outscored their opponents 218 to 65. Although Langston finished No. 2 in conference, they completed the season with a better overall record of 7-3. “Hard work is the company of success,” coach Morgan said.
He is a proven leader in athletics and has served on the LU coaching staff for more than 10 years. In 2011, he assumed the role as interim head coach for the LU softball team. It was under his direction, the team secured a record of 31 wins and advanced to the Red River Athletic Conference postseason tournament for the first time. His leadership steered the women to one of the best seasons in LU softball history.
Upon his appointment as head football coach, he outlined his goals and a strategic plan for recruitment and player management initiatives for the football program.
“He is committed to improving the academic and athletic performance of his players, increasing the athletic program’s graduation rates, and plans to increase visibility in high schools to help boost recruitment and retention numbers,” said Donnita Drain Rogers, LU Athletic Director.
“The Langston Lions plan to come back strong next season, and after watching coach Morgan perform from the sideline, this is truly possible,” said Rogers.
Prior to coaching, he earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation in 2005 and a master’s degree in urban education in 2010 from Langston University.
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more about Langston University, go to http://www.langston.edu or visit the newly updated http://www.langstonsports.com.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is pleased to announce the appointments of Acting Executive Director of Residential Housing William Evans and Acting Director of Student Life in Student Affairs Helen Alatorre. Both are planned to begin on Oct. 19, 2015, at the Langston University campus.
Evans brings with him more than 18 years of residential life experience, while Alatorre brings more than 20 years experience in student affairs. Both come to Langston from the University of Wyoming, where Evans held the position of Associate Director of Residence Life and Dining Services and Alatorre was Assistant Dean of Students for Leadership Development.
Evans plans to develop educational and social programming to cultivate a strong sense of community among the students. He plans to implement strategic initiatives for new procedures and processes for the Housing Department.
Alatorre’s experience in programming, leadership development, and advising student government will be helpful as she serves the students at Langston. She understands the importance of working directly with students in order to create lasting memories during their time spent at the University.
Evans and Alatorre have dedicated their entire careers to the development of students.
“I am passionate about helping students transition to college and supporting them all the way to graduation,” Evans said.
Alatorre enthusiastically stated, “I think it is important to get a feel of the culture on campus and its students and see how I can contribute and advance it.”
“I look forward to learning more about Langston’s traditions and its rich history.”
Evans and Alatorre are married with a six-year-old daughter, and are excited about their move to Oklahoma.
Alatorre regarding the move:
“It’s a homecoming for the entire family,” Alatorre said. “It was a professional decision, but a personal one as well, which is what makes this a complete experience.
“The university will be well served by the new additions to our staff,” said Kent J. Smith Jr., Ph.D., President of Langston University.
“These new appointments are committed to the pursuit of excellence and the experience they bring to the positions will be a source of strength for students and the campus community at large.”
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more about Langston University, go to www.langstonuniversity.edu.
NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR awarded $36,000 to Langston professor, Randy Hunt, Ph. D. and the School of Education and Behavioral Science to produce effective, informed, and reflective future STEM scientists capable of independent practice and professional growth in college STEM programs.
The grant entitled, “Investing in STEM Student Diversity through NASA Ames Astrobiology Mentoring Modeling: Chemistry, Mathematical, and Computer Models” is a response to increase student diversity in Astrobiology knowledge for 15 STEM college students. Hunt serves as the faculty mentor and will mentor the Astrobiology students and develop ongoing relationships with its STEM mentors and partners.
“We are grateful for the financial support of STEM research at Langston University and look forward to sharing the results next year,” said Hunt.
Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Among 2,400 teacher preparation programs, Langston University’s elementary program ranks number one among all HBCU’s and in the top ten for its secondary (middle and high school) programs by the National Council on teacher quality. To learn more about the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, visit http://www.langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.
